Thinking about buying a Taco

Great site guys.

So, I currently own what I call, the Beast. A 2002 Dodge Ram SLT Quad Cab 4x4, 5.9l 360 gasser.

Anyway, my kids are getting older, one is driving her own Jeep (I bought), I'm selling the 30' camper and basically, I don't "need" the Beast's room and capabilities like I did. Or rationalized that I did...

So I'm thinking about a smaller pickup.

My wife has a Toyota Highlander, amazing vehicle. Plus, I won't buy any vehicle any time soon from a manufacturer that accepted a bailout.

Is this a reasonable deal?

Here's the Taco I'm looking at, not sure how URL links work here yet:
http://carmax.com/enus/view-car/def...8+15+9&Q=c142b194-5cac-4fcf-9dd7-e5b9eb3d98bc

Oh, I live in northern IL, cold, snow country, lots of traffic....frequent visits to Wisconsin and tow an 18' boat.

Anyway, just looking for your input on the above truck and switching from a full to mid-size pickup.

Semper Fi

 

If you plan on towing a boat, i would suggest the V6. The 4 bangers are mean little motors, and could do the job. But for towing any distance, i'd be after a V6.

 

good choice. you don't know what you've been missing

and x2 get the V6. Since you're used to gassing up the dodge it will seem so cheap to fill

 

X3 and welcome

 

Welcome!

I agree, go with the 4.0 V6 since you are gonna be towing

 

dont think about it

 

Welcome!

 

Welcome from Vermont
As the guys said, go with the six & factory tow.
I towed a lot with the V6 & just wished I had the factory tow package.

 

I got my Tacoma three weeks ago, and I love it. I'd echo the comments re the 6 cylinder, you'll need it to tow a boat.

My past trucks included a 2005 Dodge Dakota 4X4, which I loved (but my son in Alaska needed a 4X4 so I gave it to him), and a 2010 Ford F-150 which was too big (my wife had a hard time driving it).

So, I researched and found that the last year for Dakotas is 2011, and also found that the Tacoma is extremely highly rated for "mid-sized" trucks.

After driving it for 3 weeks I can see why. This is one quality vehicle- solid, quiet (for a truck) and I'm still getting over 20mpg average city/highway.

 

V6 and DoubleCab. Do it. Do it.

Welcome

 

Don't think about it be about it.

 

If I didn't already post this, I agree, V6 or bust. Didn't realize that one was a 4 banger, no thanks.

I hadn't thought about going back to a manual tranny but I found a blue V6 with a stick.

However, it shows the mpgs at 14/18, which is less than the auto. That makes no sense to me, manuals are usually more fuel efficient. Do they figure I'm going to be popping the clutch and burning rubber all the time? Granted, that is likely...

So, is that true, manual gets worse mpg's than auto?

I'm also thinking I would want to transfer my newly purchased Hankook Dynapro AT/M tires. They're 265/70/17 which I think is the largest that fits w/o a lift.

 

The MPG's are all about how you drive it, and what you haul/tow/put on or in it. As for the tires, i had 275/65/18 on mine before the lift and had no rubbing issues, you'll be fine.

 

Welcome to TW from Sparks, NV
Yes the tires will fit.

 

Welcome Surferdude.
Lots of good info to be found at TW.

I would suggest you personally visit a couple Toyota dealers, or check out their websites and inventory. That CarMax price doesn't look very attractive.
If you aren't behind the eight ball to buy now, do yourself a favor and shop around.